The Platform Nigeria, convened by Pastor Poju Oyemade, has announced a ₦150 million grant initiative targeted at existing startups and small businesses, with the programme scheduled to launch on May 1, 2026.
The initiative, themed “RE-SHAPING CULTURE,” is designed to move beyond ideation by equipping young entrepreneurs with the capital and structure needed to scale viable businesses. It places a strong emphasis on execution, measurable growth, and innovation-driven enterprise development.
The main event will hold at The Covenant Place, located beside the National Theatre in Lagos, starting at 9:00 AM. Attendance is free, and participants are not required to register to access the core sessions, reinforcing the platform’s open-access approach to knowledge sharing.
Robust Nature of Programme
Beyond the headline grant pool, the programme incorporates a broader entrepreneurial support framework.
This includes a structured bootcamp—registration for which opens on the same day—as well as pitch-based funding opportunities. Organisers have indicated that selection criteria will prioritise operational startups with clear metrics, scalable models, and compelling video pitch submissions.
A $5,000 grant tier is also referenced within the broader “Innovate Pitch & Grant” track tied to the initiative.
The 2026 edition will feature a high-profile speaker lineup, including Vusi Thembekwayo, Kemi Adeosun, and Nancy Ogbue, among others. Sessions are expected to focus on practical pathways for business growth, cultural transformation, and turning ideas into executable ventures.
Framed as an “entire experience,” the event will combine keynote sessions, entrepreneurial training, networking opportunities, and funding access—positioning it as a strategic intervention for founders seeking to pivot or scale in Nigeria’s evolving business landscape.
